Midfielder Brad Crouch will make his long-awaited return to competitive football in Saturday’s Under 23 trial game against Port Adelaide at Thebarton Oval.
Crouch will play for the first time since September 2017 after missing the entire 2018 season through injury, marking a major milestone in the midfielder’s recovery from a groin injury.
Forward Riley Knight, defender Alex Keath and ruckman Reilly O’Brien have also been included in Adelaide’s squad as the trio look to impress coaching staff ahead of Round One.
All six of Adelaide’s 2018 draftees, Chayce Jones, Ned McHenry, Will Hamill, Lachlan Sholl, Kieran Strachan and Jordon Butts, will pull on the Crows colours for the first time alongside recruits Tyson Stengle and Shane McAdam.
Eight members of the Crows SANFL development squad will also take the field.
State League Senior Coach and Development Manager Heath Younie will take the reins in the coaches’ box on Saturday and said he was looking forward to seeing the Crows’ young talent strut their stuff.
“These young guys bring such great enthusiasm to the group – they just want to play footy and this is a great chance for us as coaches to see what they bring in a game setting,” he said.
“The future of our Footy Club will be on display, so it will be really exciting for Members and fans too.”
As for the inclusion of Crouch, Younie said it was beneficial not only for him but the entire squad.
“Obviously Brad didn’t play a game last season, so this is a great opportunity for him to build on his continuity heading towards Round One,” he said.
“It’s great for him individually, but also great for the whole squad to be able to learn off Brad and help our younger guys understand the way we want to play.”
For fans wishing to attend the game at Thebarton Oval, first bounce is scheduled for 11.00am ACDT with free entry.
There will be an opportunity for autographs on the boundary line after the final siren, while the Crows Supporter Group is also hosting a BBQ at the game.
A live stream of the game, to be produced by AFC Media, will commence at 10.45am ACDT and can be accessed via afc.com.au or the Adelaide Crows Official App.
Adelaide squad
Brad Crouch
Riley Knight
Jordan Gallucci
Myles Poholke
Tyson Stengle
Chayce Jones
Shane McAdam
Ned McHenry
Patrick Wilson
Darcy Fogarty
Will Hamill
Paul Hunter
Lachlan Sholl
Tom Doedee
Ben Davis
Jordon Butts
Alex Keath
Reilly O'Brien
Lachlan Murphy
Kieran Strachan
Matthew Wright
Jordon Boyle
Damon Hill
Mitch Johnson
Hamish Latchford
James Mathews
Lachlan Ryan
Pierce Seymour
For those unable to attend, the Under 23 trial game between Adelaide and Port Adelaide will be broadcast on Saturday on afc.com.au and the Adelaide Crows Official App from 10.45am ACDT.
